Weapons experts have identified the remnants of two US-made munitions used in an Israeli missile strike on a school in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people. The former school in Nuseirat was hit by two missiles while hundreds sought refuge there.
Video footage from the scene depicted the chaos and devastation as people searched through the rubble and destroyed shelters in the schoolyard. Witnesses reported receiving no prior warning before the strike.
Residents expressed their anguish and despair, questioning where they could go for safety amidst the ongoing violence. Many criticized the silence of Arab countries and emphasized that the affected population consisted mainly of women, children, and the elderly.
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted terrorists operating in the vicinity of the UNRWA school building in Nuseirat, alleging it was used as a base for attacks against IDF troops. However, independent verification regarding the presence of Hamas operatives at the site remains unconfirmed.
Weapons researchers were able to identify components of the missiles used in the attack, including parts of a GBU-39 small-diameter guided air-to-surface munition made by Boeing. Additionally, fragments of a US-made Hellfire missile were found at the scene.
Experts cautioned that the damage to the munitions made positive identification challenging, but noted distinctive features such as screw housings and fin slots. The presence of these US-made munitions raises questions about the extent of foreign involvement in the conflict.
The aftermath of the strike underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives remain a top priority.
